BarMeli to open in former Michy’s space on Biscayne Boulevard

BarMeli is moving from 79th Street and hopping over to the former Cena by Michy’s space on 69th Street in Miami’s MiMo neighborhood.

The Mediterranean concept inked a new lease for the 2,500-square-foot restaurant space at 6925 Biscayne Boulevard, Michael Comras told The Real Deal. Comras purchased the building with Forte Capital Management in May for $6.125 million, and the Michelle Bernstein restaurant immediately closed its doors.

Market rents for the area are in the $45 to $60 per square foot range, Comras said, declining to disclose BarMeli’s lease terms. The Greek-inspired restaurant will move from 725 Northeast 79th Street in about two to three months, Comras told TRD. BarMeli owner Liza Meli will convert its old 79th Street eatery into a wine store.

Michy’s made headlines when it closed in May, with owners Michelle Bernstein and David Martinez citing failed lease negotiations as the reason they shut their doors. However, a Loopnet listing shows Cena by Michy’s was for sale for $475,000 as early as the beginning of May. Michy’s operated in the space since 2006, and has been described as one of the first high-end, local restaurants to call MiMo home.

Meli and head chef Maykel Solis will lead the Greek-inspired restaurant, which plans to serve dishes like flaming Saganaki (cheese), chicken breast lemonato and baby lamb chops. Irma Figueroa, director of retail leasing and sales for the Comras Company, represented Comras in the deal, according to a press release.

Comras said he’s excited about the lease, and hopes the restaurant will add to the boulevard’s success, which has seen new tenants such as Trina Turk and Mr. Turk and Phuc Yea. The Federal Food & Drink closed in August.